Suspected DUI driver hits Hermosa Beach police vehicle

A Lawndale man suspected of driving under the influence slammed into the back of a marked Hermosa Beach police vehicle early Friday, authorities said.

Jose Cruz Rodriquez, 21, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and driving without a valid license, Hermosa Beach police said. A preliminary breath test showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.22.

Police said Rodriquez was being held on $100,000 bail.

The crash happened at 12:45 a.m. as the two officers were stopped at a red light on Eighth Street, just west of Pacific Coast Highway. A driver approached from the rear and hit the back of their vehicle, pushing it into the intersection, police said.

The officers, Eric Cahalan and Guy Dove, were treated by paramedics for minor neck, back and head injuries before they were taken to Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center. Both officers were examined and released, police said.